While the player is in Battle Through the Heavens, the system is in The Great Ruler.

Chapter 280 The Four Commanders, Xiao Yan Makes His Appearance

As soon as Gu Lie finished speaking, two elders appeared in the room. One held an ancient astrolabe, while the other carried a thick register and a writing brush, both with solemn expressions.

"The first one is Gu Zhao!"

At the elder's shout, a spirited young man from the ancient tribe, dressed in black armor, leaped into the arena and respectfully bowed to the two elders.

The solemn-faced elder clenched his fist, and a star chart about ten feet in size appeared before him. The young man quickly stepped forward, placed his palm on the star chart, and closed his eyes.

As the young man closed his eyes, a dazzling light suddenly burst forth on the star chart, and three crimson stars slowly appeared.

"Gu Zhao, a three-star Dou Huang cultivator, with a bone age of twenty, is qualified!" the elder announced loudly.

A murmur of envy immediately arose in the square.

Xiao Yan whispered to Lu Yu, "Brother Lu, the ancient clan's foundation is indeed profound. A Dou Huang at the age of twenty is a top genius even in the Central Plains."

Lu Yu nodded slightly, but his gaze remained fixed on the test in the arena.

"Next up, Lin Xiu!"

The call rang out again, and a handsome young man stood up and began the test following the same procedure. This time, five dazzling silver stars appeared on the star chart, their brilliance drawing the attention of everyone present.

"Twenty-four years old, a five-star Dou Zong..."

After the two elders discussed it in hushed tones, they announced loudly, "The position of Commander is hereby conferred!"

A chorus of exclamations erupted in the square, clearly indicating that Lin Xiu's cultivation was quite outstanding among the younger generation.

Seeing this, Xiao Yan asked Lu Yu in a low voice with a hint of doubt, "Brother Lu, this Lin Xiu is only a five-star Dou Zong, why has he caused such a big reaction? And what is the position of the commander?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Yu turned to look at Xun'er beside him, his eyes filled with inquiry.

Xun'er felt Lu Yu's gaze, and the corners of her lips unconsciously curved into a gentle smile. She explained softly, "Although our Black Annihilation Army is full of powerful warriors, it also has a clear hierarchy. The highest-ranking person in the army is Lord Gu Lie, the Black Annihilation King, who is under the command of four Grand Marshals and eight Commanders."

She turned slightly to the side, her gaze remaining softly fixed on Lu Yu's face, and continued, "Lin Xiu possesses a sixth-grade bloodline. Before even undergoing the coming-of-age ceremony and being bestowed with a clan mark, he has already reached the level of a five-star Dou Zong. This is rare among the younger generation and truly meets the selection criteria for a leader."

Her tone was calm, her gaze gently fixed on Lu Yu, showing no particular emotion despite the performance of the younger members of the clan. After all, in her heart, the Yu-gege beside her, who was about the same age but already a Dou Sheng powerhouse, was the truly exceptional talent.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan understood and couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement. He then truly realized that by frequently interacting with powerful figures like Brother Lu, who had already reached the Dou Sheng realm at such a young age, he might have been overestimating these ancient clan prodigies.

Lu Yu nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the young disciples undergoing the tests, his expression indifferent. At his current level, the cultivation levels of these younger generations were indeed unlikely to stir any ripples in his heart.

Xun'er sat quietly beside Lu Yu, watching the young talents taking the stage one after another. In her heart, she thought of her brother Yu, who had already shown extraordinary talent back in Wutan City.

After Lin Xiu, several other young experts from ancient clans with considerable strength took to the test, but none of them ever surpassed the Dou Zong realm in cultivation.

At this moment, a man in black armor slowly stepped forward. His face was stern, and a strand of black and white hair on his forehead was particularly eye-catching. Beneath the hair were a pair of cold eyes, like those of a demon.

The palm was placed on the astrolabe, and a dazzling golden light shone forth.

"Gu Yao, 24 years old, a one-star Dou Zun, has been granted the position of Commander!"

The elder's voice was full of approval.

In an instant, the entire square erupted in cheers!
"It's actually the Commander-in-Chief..."

"Yes, the Black Annihilation Army only has four commanders-in-chief positions, but there are still eight generals..."

"It's an ancient demon, no wonder..."

After Gu Yao finished the test, his gaze inadvertently swept over Lu Yu in the VIP seat, a hint of hidden fear flashing in his eyes. He clearly still remembered the experience of being easily defeated by Lu Yu at Tianmu Mountain.

Lu Yu merely smiled faintly, completely disregarding that gaze. To him, the ancient demon's strength wasn't even worthy of his attention.

At this moment, in the audience, Yao Lao stroked his beard and chuckled, transmitting his voice to Xiao Yan: "Little fellow, it seems your cultivation of a Seven-Star Dou Zong is quite impressive among the younger generation of the Ancient Clan. The Ancient Clan's Black Annihilation Army has four Grand Marshals and eight Commanders. Judging from this, your current cultivation is enough to rank you in the top ten among the younger generation of the Ancient Clan..."

A confident glint flashed in Xiao Yan's eyes as he replied telepathically, "Teacher, if I were to use my different flames, I would be able to fight even a Dou Zun. Although this ancient demon is only a one-star Dou Zun, I am confident that I can compete with him."

Lu Yu seemed to sense that the two were communicating telepathically, and turned around to ask with interest, "Brother Yan, judging from your aura, did Senior Yao also pass on the Bone Spirit Cold Flame to you?"

Xiao Yan nodded, his tone tinged with pride: "That's right. I have now mastered four different flames, and the Burning Technique has evolved to the Quasi-Heavenly Rank. If I were to unleash my full power, I wonder how I would compare to the geniuses of the ancient clans."

As he spoke, his gaze unconsciously drifted toward the ancient demon in the arena, clearly eager to test his strength.

Lu Yu chuckled, clearly noticing Xiao Yan's eagerness. He patted Xiao Yan's shoulder, his tone carrying a brotherly concern: "Brother Yan, your talent is naturally outstanding. However, in this situation, there's no need to rush into competing with these ancient clan disciples."

He glanced at the young disciples who were being tested in the arena and continued, "After the ceremony, if you wish to spar with the younger generation of the ancient clans, there will be a suitable opportunity."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan's fighting spirit subsided slightly, and he nodded, saying, "Brother Lu is right. I was a bit too hasty."

Seeing this, Xun'er said softly, "It is rare for Young Master Xiao Yan to have such ambition. However, today is the Black Annihilation Army selection ceremony, so let's focus on observing the ceremony."

As they spoke, the test continued. Then, a man in a silver robe stepped forward, a composed smile on his face. He gracefully placed his palm on the astrolabe, and a golden star immediately lit up.

"Gu Hua, a one-star Dou Zun!"

A murmur rippled through the crowd, with many young disciples casting envious glances at Gu Hua. This young powerhouse, known for his elegant demeanor, now appeared even more spirited and confident.

Next to appear was a burly man, Gu Xing. He walked forward with steady steps, and when his thick palms touched the star chart, they also shone with a dazzling golden light.

"Gu Xing, a one-star Dou Zun!"

As Gu Xing passed by Gu Yao, he deliberately slowed his pace and sneered in a low voice, "What's wrong? Scared after being beaten? You don't even dare to look him in the eye?"

Gu Yao's face darkened, and he clenched his fists, replying coldly, "Mind your own business."

The tension between the two immediately rose, drawing attention from many in the audience who began whispering amongst themselves.

Finally, a man dressed in a thin blue robe, with a refined and elegant demeanor, appeared. He walked calmly toward the star chart; it was Gu Qingyang.

As he passed the other three commanders, he nodded gently to them, his gaze showing neither arrogance nor cowardice, only a calm and composed demeanor. When his slender fingers lightly touched the star chart, the entire plaza seemed to fall silent. In an instant, three golden stars simultaneously burst forth with dazzling brilliance, their radiance even eclipsing the commanders who had been tested earlier.

"Gu Qingyang, a three-star Dou Zun!"

This result caused the ancient clan disciples in the stands to rise in astonishment. Xiao Yan couldn't help but sigh, "A three-star Dou Zun... such cultivation is truly admirable."

Lu Yu nodded slightly, his eyes filled with appreciation: "Gu Qingyang's talent is indeed outstanding among the younger generation of the Gu clan."

Xun'er added softly from the side, "Brother Qingyang has always been diligent, and his achievements today are a natural result of his hard work."

After a brief exchange with the other elders, Gu Lie solemnly announced: "The positions of Commander-in-Chief are hereby conferred upon Gu Qingyang, Gu Hua, and Gu Xing!"

Thus, the four commanders of the Black Annihilation Army were all chosen. Soon after, many more people took the test, and among them, several outstanding young powerhouses were granted the position of commander.

The entire testing process lasted for several hours, until dusk, when the afterglow of the setting sun bathed the square, and the selection test finally came to an end.

Gu Lie's majestic voice resounded throughout the arena once again: "Next, we will hold a ranking battle. The commanders and generals will compete separately, and the order will be determined by their strength!"

Gu Qingyang was the first to stand up and bowed to the other three commanders, saying, "Gentlemen, please give me your guidance."

Gu Hua smiled and returned the greeting: "Brother Qingyang, you are too kind. Please go easy on me later."

Gu Xing, on the other hand, was eager to fight: "Finally, I can have a good fight! Let me see just how strong a three-star Dou Zun really is!"

Only Gu Yao remained with a gloomy expression. He slowly stood up, but his gaze unconsciously drifted towards Lu Yu in the VIP section, a complex look flashing in his eyes, as if he were plotting something.

At this moment, Xiao Yan suddenly stood up and said loudly, "Junior Xiao Yan would like to take this opportunity to learn a thing or two from the geniuses of the ancient clans. Is that alright?"

Upon hearing this, the two elders who were presiding over the ceremony both looked at Gu Lie on the high platform.

At this moment, Elder Gu Yang, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up, his tone stern: "Absolutely not! How can outsiders be allowed to interfere in our ancient clan's grand ceremony? The people from the Spirit Treasure Pavilion are far too ignorant of the rules!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Yu frowned slightly, about to speak.

At this moment, Gu Lie's expression turned solemn, and he said in a deep voice, "Elder Gu Yang is mistaken. The Black Annihilation Army has always valued strength above all else. Allowing our clan members to spar with outsiders is a good way to broaden their horizons."

As the supreme commander of the Black Annihilation Army, he held absolute authority at this ceremony.

Gu Yang's expression changed slightly, but he still tried to argue: "Lord Gu Lie, if this precedent is set, I'm afraid that in the future..."

"I have my own plan for this matter," Gu Lie said firmly, with an unquestionable air of authority.

Lu Yu spoke at the opportune moment, his voice calm yet carrying a deeper meaning: "Elder Gu Yang seems quite resistant to outsiders participating in the ceremony? Could it be that he is worried that the disciples of the Ancient Clan will be defeated in the competition and lose face?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Yang was speechless.

His expression shifted uncertainly. If he admitted it, it would mean he had no confidence in the descendants of the ancient clans; if he refuted it, it would make it seem that his previous obstruction was unreasonable.

In the end, he could only suppress his anger and said in a deep voice, "Young friend Lu Yu is joking. I am merely following the traditions of our ancient clan."

"Is it a tradition of the ancient clans to allow an ancestral elder to interfere in the military affairs of the Black Annihilation?"

Lu Yu's words, though not loud, instantly silenced the entire square. The ancestral hall elders were traditionally only in charge of sacrificial rites; interfering in military affairs was indeed against protocol.

Upon hearing this, Gu Yang's face immediately turned ugly. He opened his mouth, about to defend himself...

"enough."

A calm yet authoritative voice rang out. Gu Yuan had opened his eyes at some point and looked calmly at Gu Yang: "Elder Gu Yang, the Black Annihilation Army Ceremony has its own rules. You have talked too much today."

Gu Yang's face turned pale and then red, and in the end he could only bow and say, "The clan leader is right, it was I who misspoke."

Gu Yuan stopped looking at him and turned to Xiao Yan in the arena, exchanging a meaningful glance with Gu Lie beside him. Gu Lie nodded slightly, knowing that the clan leader had agreed.

"Since this young friend is willing to exchange skills, then let's give it a try."

Gu Lie said calmly, "It will also allow my clan's disciples to witness the strength of the younger generation in Zhongzhou."

Seeing this, Lu Yu gave Xiao Yan an encouraging look. Xiao Yan understood and clasped his hands in a fist and said loudly, "Thank you for your kindness, Senior Gu Lie."

Gu Lie's gaze swept over the commanders in the arena, finally settling on a long-haired man: "Gu Zhen, you will be the first to spar with young friend Xiao Yan."

As Gu Lie finished speaking, a murmur arose in the arena. Many members of the ancient clan cast curious glances at this young man from another clan who had suddenly volunteered for the battle.

It should be noted that Gu Zhen was the head of the eight commanders in the previous Black Annihilation Army Grand Ceremony, and his cultivation level was second only to those four generals.

Gu Hua looked at Xiao Yan with great interest, while Gu Xing was already flexing his wrists impatiently. Only Gu Yao remained expressionless, a hint of coldness flashing in the depths of his eyes.

At this moment, a composed figure slowly walked into the center of the martial arts arena. It was a man with long, flowing hair; although his appearance was not outstanding, he possessed an air of composure. He cupped his hands towards Xiao Yan and said, "Gu Zhen, a Seven-Star Dou Zong, please enlighten me."

Seeing this, Lu Yu turned to Xiao Yan and smiled gently: "Since Brother Yan wants to test his strength, this is a good opportunity."

His gaze swept over the young powerhouses of the ancient clans in the arena, and he said in a calm tone, "But remember to stop when you've made your point, and don't let it damage the harmony."

Xiao Yan nodded knowingly: "Don't worry, Brother Lu, I know what I'm doing."

Xun'er whispered to Lu Yu, "Brother Yu, Elder Gu Yang seems unusually strict today."

Lu Yu smiled meaningfully: "Some people just can't stand to see others doing well."

Xiao Yan leaped into the training ground, clasped his hands in return, and said, "Xiao Yan, a Seven-Star Dou Zong, please give me your guidance, Brother Gu Zhen."

The ancient clan disciples watching the battle held their breath, eager to see just how strong this young man who had come with Lu Yu truly was.

The duel between the two Seven-Star Dou Zong instantly heightened the tension in the entire plaza.

(End of this chapter)